The Hu explore cultural heritage through music
The lead singer of the Mongolian rock band The Hu, Galbadrakh Tsendbaatar, aka Gala, is outlining the band’s purpose. “We use our traditional instruments in our own way, and we focus on leaving this piece of our culture to the younger generation,” he says. “But at the same time, we spread it to the generation of right now. Sharing the Mongolian perspective to the world is essential,” reports BritPanorama.
Speaking via video call through an interpreter, Gala conveys the band’s ethos and distinctive style. While The Hu is often categorized as a heavy rock band, they have carved out their niche with a sound they call “hunnu rock.” The band, consisting of Gala, Jaya, Emkush, and Temka, has generated an impressive 900 million streams, with their highly anticipated third album, Hun, set to release soon.
Drawing on Western hard rock and metal influences, The Hu perform in their native language, incorporating throat singing known as khoomei alongside traditional Mongolian instruments. The music’s driving drum beats echo the gallop of horses, emblematic of Mongolian identity since the era of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. “Mongolians can’t be separated from their horses – that’s how the saying goes,” says Gala, emphasizing the cultural significance intertwined with their artistry.
With a distinct visual aesthetic combining ancient Mongolian robes and powerful lyrics steeped in local philosophy, The Hu has quickly become a notable presence within the global music scene. The band originated in 2016 when their producer, Dashka, brought them together, merging Eastern and Western musical elements. Their early tracks, including “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem,” quickly amassed millions of views on YouTube, setting the foundation for their international acclaim.
In May 2019, The Hu met Mongolia’s then-president, Khaltmaagiin Battulga, who recognized their efforts in promoting Mongolian culture. By November, they were awarded The Order of Genghis Khan, the nation’s highest honor, underscoring their cultural impact. Their live performances are now elaborate events attracting notable fans including St Vincent and Elton John, both of whom applauded the band’s innovative sound.
Following the success of their second album, Rumble of Thunder (2022), The Hu were awarded Unesco’s Artist for Peace title, joining a distinguished list of global artists. In 2023, they made headlines as the first Mongolian band to perform on the West Holts stage at Glastonbury Festival, a moment they regard as both an honor and a responsibility. They are set to support Iron Maiden at their upcoming Knebworth show on July 11.
Adhering to their cultural roots, The Hu’s musical approach firmly embraces traditional Mongolian values. Gala states, “The horse fiddle is an important instrument in our culture.” The morin khuur, a two-stringed instrument similar to a violin, plays a pivotal role in their sound and cultural identity. “A Mongolian home is not complete without a morin khuur. It flushes out the negative energy in the home,” Gala explains, linking music with spirituality and community well-being.
The art of throat singing also features prominently in their music, characterized by its complex technique and expressive power. “It’s a very ancient vocal technique. It takes a lot of practice… We’re showing the way our ancestors used to communicate with nature and the environment,” Gala adds, highlighting the connection between their music and ancestral traditions.
The upcoming album Hun, which has been four years in the making, promises a richer musical exploration. “We try to test the limits of many different things,” Gala notes. Thematically, the album delves into human experiences, capturing a blend of introspection and cultural philosophy. It features diverse tracks that examine both the darker aspects of humanity and a quest for self-awareness.
Among these, songs like “Echoes of My Father” reflect personal narratives, while “The Men” aims to inspire listeners by channeling the Mongolian belief in an “inner spirit.” Gala asserts the importance of recognizing this inner spirit as it serves as a lifeforce linking individuals to their ancestors and the past.
Perhaps most representative of their unique style is the track “Warrior Chant,” characterized by its invigorating refrain of “Hu! Hu!” that resonates with audiences during their shows. The Hu’s commitment to their cultural message and artistry remains steadfast amid their rising fame. “The goal isn’t to become popular, it was never like that for us. We want to make good music that resonates with people,” Gala concludes.
The Hu support Iron Maiden at Eddfest at Knebworth on 11 July. ‘Hun’ is out on 24 July.
